First Native Title determination in NT south

Yangkunytjatjara and Matutjara language speakers celebrated the first Native Title determination in the south of the Northern Territory on May 4.

At a special sitting of the Federal Court, Justice Reeves handed down a consent determination over an area of about 12,500 square kilometres near the South Australian border.

The area, comprises the pastoral leases of Victory Downs, Mt Cavenagh, Mulga Park and Umbeara, which will continue to operate as cattle stations.

Central Land Council chair Francis Kelly said the determination recognises the right to hunt and gather on the land and waters and to conduct cultural activities and ceremonies.

“It will also give the native title holders the right to negotiate about exploration, mining and tourism activities on their land,” he said.

The claim area was the first native title application the CLC lodged in the south of its region and is the second-largest area in its region to have native tile recognised.

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